Europol Says 24 Suspected Human Traffickers Arrested Across 22 European States In July

Europol Says 24 Suspected Human Traffickers Arrested Across 22 European States in July

As many as 24 suspects have been arrested on suspicion of children trafficking across 22 European countries as a result of a joint operation against trafficking in human beings (THB) conducted in early July, the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) said in a press release on Tuesday

MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 14th August, 2018) As many as 24 suspects have been arrested on suspicion of children trafficking across 22 European countries as a result of a joint operation against trafficking in human beings (THB) conducted in early July, the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) said in a press release on Tuesday.

"During the week of the 2nd July, law enforcement officers from 22 Member States, other European countries and partner agencies actively participated in an EMPACT THB Action on Child-trafficking ... 24 suspects were arrested for THB offences and a further 61 suspects were arrested in relation to other crimes," the press release said.

According to Europol, as many as 51 children have been identified as potential THB victims, with the youngest one being only 2 years old.

"The children were exploited for labour, forced begging and sexual purposes," Europol specified.

The fight against human trafficking has been identified among key priorities of the EU 2018-2021 policy cycle. Europol together with partner countries has been carrying out operations aimed at identifying trafficking victims and people smugglers on a regular basis.